Audi’s Redesigned A3 is a Trifecta of Style, Technology, and Performance

Audi’s redesigned A3 is packed with the latest technology wrapped in crisp, athletic design. Debuting in Europe this week, the new Audi A3 Sportback likely won’t come to the U.S., but the sedan version should arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2020, reflecting the new design language displayed by the remodeled compact European-specification hatch.

An enormous grille and large black side air inlets dominate the front end of the new Audi A3. Sleek, narrow digital daytime running lights and Matrix LED headlamps echo Audi’s dedication to dramatic and distinctive lighting. Inside, the new A3 displays modern accents of aluminum or carbon fiber, and a black panel dashboard with digital displays. New for the A3 Sportback, Audi uses recycled PET bottles to manufacture the upholstery, which is further enhanced with contrast stitching.

While full details are scarce, we do know the front-wheel-drive A3 will offer a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or a 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder in Europe. Both engines will use a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. More power plants are coming, including electrified versions, and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system arrives after the front-drive models go on sale. When the redesigned 2021 A3 rolls into showrooms stateside, it will probably house a refreshed version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder currently propelling the 2020 A3 sedan.

Technology is an Audi strong suit, and the new A3 doesn’t disappoint, with a standard digital instrument cluster and a gigantic 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display anchoring the driver-focused cabin. Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 12.3-inch instrumentation display is an option, along with a color head-up display.

Powered by a computer processor ten times faster than the previous version, Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system is feature-rich. Highlights include next-generation Audi Connect connected services with Car-to-X communications technology, a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition wireless device charging, and the ability to store up to six user profiles.

Additionally, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a myAudi smartphone app are all standard, with Amazon Alexa coming soon after the European market launch. The available navigation system uses Google Earth imagery for a lush, high-tech appearance, and new Audi Connect Key allows the A3’s owner to unlock and start the car using a smartphone.

Safety equipment includes Audi Pre Sense Front (forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking), lane-departure warning, and evasive steering assist. Additional highlights include cross-traffic warning, lane change and exit warning, and active parking assistance. Audi’s Adaptive Cruise Assist is also available and includes a lane-centering assistance function. Collectively, these features reinforce Audi’s commitment to offering the latest safety advancements across its product lineup.

On sale in Europe in May 2020, the redesigned A3 should arrive in the U.S. for the 2021 model year.

Audi is the source of the information in this article. It was accurate as of March 3, 2020 but may have changed since that date.

Additional Research:

• Audi JD Power Ratings, Reviews and Awards
• 2020 Audi A3 Sedan
• 2019 Audi Buyer's Guide